COURSE CURRICULUM

The MRes in Philosophy offers a uniquely personalized and rigorous academic structure that emphasizes both independent study and research training. Over two semesters, students take four taught modules. The course begins with a compulsory module that introduces various methodologies and epistemological approaches in Western philosophy through weekly seminars. This foundational module provides the theoretical grounding necessary for independent philosophical inquiry. Unless students are enrolled in the philosophy and literature pathway, the remaining three modules consist of guided study and essay writing conducted through one-on-one tutorials. These tutorials are tailored to the student’s interests and matched with faculty expertise. Students typically work with one tutor in the autumn and two different tutors in the spring, exploring various philosophical topics. The process includes selecting essay topics, submitting essays biweekly, and engaging in in-depth feedback sessions—mirroring the tutorial system used at Oxbridge. Students in the philosophy and literature pathway can replace some of the guided modules with specialist options that explore intersections between literary and philosophical traditions, such as the philosophical novel or issues surrounding censorship and creative-critical writing. Complementing the taught modules are regular workshops that serve as the foundation for research training. These workshops foster intellectual exchange among Master’s and PhD students and include sessions on research skills, career development, and academic writing. Following the completion of coursework, students work independently on a dissertation from May to September. The dissertation, guided by a chosen supervisor, allows for an in-depth exploration of a philosophical question of the student’s choice. Additional flexibility is available for students who wish to substitute a supervised module with another taught Master’s-level course or incorporate language training into their studies. This structure ensures that students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, preparing them for further academic study or professional research roles in philosophy.